Read All About It – Performing Arts’ Latest Show!

The Craven College Performing Arts department once again put on an amazing demonstration of their skills at the Auction Mart Theatre showcasing Newsies Jr.

Based on the Disney film of the same name, the show tells the story of hero Jack Kelly. In 1899 Newsies were mostly children and teenagers living in crowded tenements or on the streets of New York City. They survived by selling newspapers often shouting headlines to attract buyers. With no guaranteed income they worked long hours in all weathers and often faced hunger and harsh conditions.

The 1899 New York Newsboys’ Strike was a youth-led protest against unfair pricing by newspaper publishers with newsboys demanding lower costs for the papers they sell. Although only partially successful, the strike highlighted youth labour issues. Newsies Jr follows fictional leader Jack Kelly and dramatizes the strike’s spirit.

This year, Craven College is celebrating our 200^th birthday, and it is therefore fitting that this year’s production focuses on celebrating solidarity, resilience and the power of young voices standing up for a cause.

With a cast and crew made up of all levels of our Performing Arts department from year one to Higher Education, this was a collaborative three-month journey of dancing, singing and acting. With students additionally taking production roles, the show was a true testament to teamwork!

Dr Alison Birkinshaw, Chair of the Board of Governors commented, “My congratulations to all students and staff involved. The students were very committed and clearly had worked very hard to achieve very high standards indeed.  And of course, the credit must go to the staff team too.

I really enjoyed the show, a brilliant way to spend a Saturday afternoon!”

Giles Atkinson, Head of Digital, Creative & Public Industries added, “This weekend the Performing Arts students performed their annual musical at the Auction Mart Theatre; this year the production was “Newsies”. Newspaper hawkers, or “newsies”, belonged to a bygone age but the issues in this US musical about their 1899 strike were today’s headlines. Quandaries of industrial action, the struggle for unionisation and crises of homelessness and child exploitation featured in the story.

“The cast did an amazing job and were well supported by friends, family and the local community. The production was a huge success, and plans are already underway for next year’s show.”

Ashley Brennand, who played Jack Kelly commented, “Being part of this musical has been an incredibly valuable experience. The story is rich with meaning, and I’ve truly enjoyed the challenge of developing my character and immersing myself in the world of the Newsies. It’s been both inspiring and unforgettable!”

Find out more about Performing Arts at Craven College or visit us on our upcoming Open Event to take a tour of our specialist facilities.